Coffs Coast landmarks light up pink in push for more foster carers

LOCAL landmarks The Big Banana and Macksville Bridge glowed pink last week as eye-openers for Life Without Barriers’ “Sharing is Caring” campaign.

It was part of a local push to encourage more people to consider becoming a foster carer, said Benn Anderson, Regional Director for NSW Family Base Care North.

Life Without Barriers hopes the campaign will help inspire Coffs Harbour and Nambucca Valley residents to consider whether they could open their hearts and homes to a child who needs some support.

There is a significant demand for foster carers in the region and there are “all sorts of ways that people could support kids in care,” Mr Anderson said.

“As well as longer term foster care, we are also looking for carers who might be able to provide short, medium or respite care.

“We always need more carers, and the more we have, the more likely children and young people will be able to stay closer to their communities and schools.

“The love and support of a foster carer can help change the trajectory of a child’s life and have a big impact on their health and wellbeing.

“We know that people living on the Mid North Coast have big hearts.

“If anyone feels like they have the capacity to support a child who needs some love, care and stability, we would love to hear from them.”

Resources are available for download to help people start conversations about foster care in their communities, workplace.

See Life Without Barriers online at lwb.org.au, or email carers@lwb.org.au.

By Andrea FERRARI